CO885-(10-11) — Page 846

12168.

MY LORD,

No. 670.

(SIERRA LEONE.)

LAW OFFICERS to COLONIAL OFFICE.

Temple, November 17, 1870. We are honoured with your Lordship's commands, signified in Mr. Holland's letter of the 21st of October ultimo, stating that with reference to our Reports of the 20th July and 6th September," in which an Act was recommended extending British authority to the punishment of crimes committed, not upon British territory, against British subjects, or against persons who by residence within a British Colony, under circumstances which constitute a domicile by the law of nations, had acquired a British national character, he was directed by your Lordship to submit, for our con- sideration, a Draft Bill which had been prepared in accordance with the above recom- mendation, and to request that we would favour your Lordship with our opinion whether this Draft is proper to be submitted to Parliament, and whether it will be effectual for the desired purpose.

Mr. Holland was also pleased to state that he was to call our attention particularly to the words which enable the courts to try not only offences committed against British subjects but those committed against persons domiciled in British territories. Some doubt had been felt as to the exact limits to which in our opinion the authority of British courts might be extended.

In obedience to your Lordship's commande we have the honour to

Report

That we have settled the Draft Bill in the form which seems to us proper to be sub- mitted to Parliament, and effectual for the purposes desired.

We think that the authority of the British courts may be extended to the cognizance not only of offences committed against British subjects but of offences committed against persons resident within British territories. We have ventured to substitute the term "resident" for that of " domiciled as being more easily interpreted and under-

We have, &c.

stood.

»

The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley,

&c.

&c.

(Signed)

&c.

• Nos. 651 and 660.

R. P. COLLIER. J. D. COLERIDGE.

TRAVERS TWISS.

Q

16976.-156. 95.-5,86.

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

C.O. 885.

Reference :-

11 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

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